Best overall value
Factors influencing moving costs from Denver to Grand Rapids
What to know before moving from Denver to Grand Rapids
Moving from Denver to Grand Rapids comes with exciting new opportunities โ but also higher living costs. Since Grand Rapids is generally more expensive than Denver, itโs important to plan ahead and budget carefully for the change.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Denver | Grand Rapids | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,900 | $1,659 |
| Average home value | $544,237 | $328,256 |
| Average income (per capita) | $85,853 | $63,299 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $3,392 | $5,333 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $8,201 | $7,160 |
| Unemployment rate | 7.1% | 4.3% |
| Sales tax | 9.15% | 6.0% |
| State income tax | 5.49% | 4.25% |
- Rent prices in Grand Rapids are 13% lower than in Denver, which means youโll have more money in your pocket each month.
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In terms of homeownership, youโll be able to get more for your money in Grand Rapids.
Home prices in Grand Rapids are 39.7% lower than in Denver. - Income in Grand Rapids is 26.3% lower than in Denver, so you could earn less for doing the same job. The top employers in Grand Rapids include Meijer, Spectrum Health Hospitals, and Universal Forest Products.
- Be sure to budget for higher bills in Grand Rapids, since the cost of living for a single person in Grand Rapids is 57.2% higher than in Denver. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- The cost of living for a family in Grand Rapids is 12.7% lower than in Denver.
- The unemployment rate in Grand Rapids is 39.44% lower than in Denver.
- Youโll spend less on retail and restaurants in Grand Rapids, since the cityโs sales taxes in Grand Rapids are 34.43% lower than in Denver.
- One perk of moving to Grand Rapids is paying less in state income taxes, which are 22.59% lower than in Denver.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $4,716.69 in Grand Rapids to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Denver.
How life is different in Denver vs. Grand Rapids
| Grand Rapids | Denver | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 198,893 | 715,522 |
| AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 6 | 8 |
| Walkability score | 56 | 95 |
| Bike friendliness score | 52 | 96 |
| Crime Index | 44.23 | 47.84 |
| Safety Index | 55.77 | 52.16 |
| Air Quality | Good | Moderate |
- Grand Rapids's population is about 72% less than Denver.
- Grand Rapids's public transportation has a score of 6 out of 10 versus Denver's higher score of 8.
- Grand Rapids is less walkable than Denver with a score of 56 out of 100 vs Denver's 95 out of 100.
- Grand Rapids has a bike-friendliness score 52 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible to and safe for cyclists as Denver, which has a score of 96 out of 100.
- Grand Rapids and Denver have a similar crime rate.
- Grand Rapids and Denver are considered to be equally safe.
- Air quality in Grand Rapids is good, and in Denver it's moderate.
Other things to consider for your Denver vs. Grand Rapids move
- Weather: August, July and June are the most most advisable months to move in Grand Rapids, while January and December are the least comfortable months.
- HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator you'll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
- Truck parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits ahead of time.
- State licensing: The agency regulating local and intrastate household goods movers in Michigan is the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC). State regulation and oversight activities include commercial vehicle registration and safety compliance, review of published tariff rates, licensing, and consumer protection efforts. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
- State regulator: You can verify a Michigan moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving permits: Michigan does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
- Change of address: We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move. You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Grand Rapids. Get started here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance.In Alabama, Massachusetts, and Michigan, choose the economical option of Released Value Protection, provided by movers at no extra cost. However, it offers minimal coverage at 60 cents per pound per article. For comprehensive coverage of your items' full value, consult with your moving company for alternatives or explore third-party insurance providers.
- Moving checklist: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you've got everything covered.
Where to live in Grand Rapids
Now that you've decided to make the move to "GR", these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Grand Rapids.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Fulton Heights
- South Hill
- East Hills
- Midtown
- Belknap Lookout
Best neighborhoods for families
- Ottawa Hills
- Eastown
- South East End
- North East Citizens Action
- East Hills
Things to do in Grand Rapids
After settling into your new Michigan home, youโll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Grand Rapids has lots to offer, no matter what youโre interested in:
- Arts and culture: Grand Rapids is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the Gerald R. Ford Museum, Grand Rapids Public Museum, Grand Rapids Children's Museum, Grand Rapids Art Museum, and Urban Institute For Contemporary Arts.
- Outdoor recreation: The cityโs Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, Gerald R. Ford Airport Viewing Park, Blandford Nature Center Richmond Park, and Riverside Park โ among other sites โ are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
- Sports: Catch a live game and cheer on the home team at an Grand Rapids Griffins (AHL) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Denver to Grand Rapids?
The best time to move from Denver to Grand Rapids is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Denver.
When is the cheapest time to move from Denver to Grand Rapids?
Because most people are moving from Denver to Grand Rapids in the spring or fall, you can often catch discounts by moving in the winter. Read our guide on moving discounts to learn more.
How long does a move from Denver to Grand Rapids take?
The 1,166-mile move from Denver, CO, to Grand Rapids, MI, takes two to eight days. Some Denver movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Grand Rapids.
